Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Resource Operator

🎯 Role Definition

The Resource Operator is the cornerstone of our operational success, a hands-on professional responsible for the safe and efficient management of plant machinery, processing systems, and material flow. This role is not just about running equipment; it's about being a vigilant guardian of production quality, a proactive problem-solver, and a committed champion of safety. A Resource Operator directly impacts plant productivity, efficiency, and profitability by ensuring equipment is running optimally, processes are within specification, and all activities adhere to the highest safety and environmental standards. This is a dynamic role for an individual who thrives in a fast-paced industrial environment and takes pride in tangible, results-driven work.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Production Assistant or Associate
General Laborer (Industrial/Manufacturing)
Apprentice Operator or Equipment Operator Trainee

Advancement To:

Lead Operator or Senior Resource Operator
Shift Supervisor or Team Lead
Plant Manager or Operations Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Maintenance Technician
Quality Control Inspector
Logistics Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate and meticulously monitor heavy industrial machinery and processing equipment, such as conveyors, crushers, balers, and separators, in strict accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Conduct thorough pre-operational checks and daily safety inspections on all assigned equipment and systems to guarantee full functionality and identify potential hazards before startup.
Monitor complex control panels, human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and computer systems to regulate process variables like temperature, pressure, and flow rates, making precise adjustments to maintain quality and efficiency.
Execute the safe and orderly startup and shutdown of plant equipment and entire processing lines for both normal operations and scheduled maintenance periods.
Perform and adhere to rigorous Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures to ensure equipment is fully de-energized and zero-energy state is achieved before any maintenance or cleaning work.
Proactively identify, troubleshoot, and resolve operational bottlenecks and minor mechanical issues in real-time to minimize downtime and production loss.
Maintain detailed and accurate shift logs, production data sheets, and equipment performance records, ensuring clear communication and documentation for the next shift.
Adhere unwaveringly to all Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) regulations, policies, and procedures, including the mandatory use of all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Perform routine and preventative maintenance tasks, including lubrication, cleaning of equipment, and replacement of wear parts, to enhance equipment longevity and reliability.
Skillfully operate mobile equipment, such as front-end loaders, forklifts, and skid steers, to manage the movement and stockpiling of raw and finished materials.
Respond immediately and effectively to plant alarms and emergency situations, following established emergency response protocols to ensure the safety of all personnel and company assets.
Collaborate closely with supervisors and fellow operators to guarantee a seamless shift handover, communicating all critical information regarding operational status, ongoing issues, and safety concerns.
Conduct regular quality control inspections and collect material samples for analysis to ensure the final product meets stringent company and customer specifications.
Maintain a high standard of housekeeping within the operator's work area, including control rooms and the surrounding plant floor, to ensure a safe and orderly environment.
Manage the flow of materials through the plant, coordinating with scale house and logistics personnel to ensure the efficient loading and unloading of trucks and storage of inventory.

Secondary Functions

Actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives and kaizen events, providing valuable frontline insights to enhance safety, quality, and productivity.
Assist the maintenance department in diagnosing equipment failures and support them during more extensive repairs or component replacements during planned outages.
Contribute to the development and updating of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety guidelines by providing practical, experience-based feedback.
Provide on-the-job training, mentorship, and guidance to new or less-experienced operators, fostering a culture of shared knowledge and team excellence.
Monitor and manage inventories of essential operational supplies, such as processing agents, lubricants, and filters, and generate requisitions for replenishment as needed.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Heavy Equipment Operation: Demonstrated proficiency in operating heavy mobile and stationary industrial equipment (e.g., loaders, forklifts, conveyors, compactors) safely and efficiently.
Control Systems (SCADA/HMI): Ability to read, interpret, and operate automated plant control systems to monitor processes and make informed adjustments.
Mechanical Aptitude: A strong, practical understanding of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles to effectively troubleshoot and perform minor maintenance on equipment.
-Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Expertise: Certified knowledge and proven experience in applying LOTO procedures for energy isolation to ensure a safe work environment.
Process Monitoring: The skill to vigilantly watch gauges, dials, and digital displays to recognize trends and deviations, ensuring the process remains within optimal parameters.
Preventive Maintenance: Hands-on ability to perform routine lubrication, inspections, and basic repairs as part of a total preventive maintenance program.

Soft Skills

Safety-First Mindset: An absolute, non-negotiable commitment to personal and team safety, with the discipline to follow every procedure, every time.
Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in monitoring sensitive equipment, recording data accurately, and noticing subtle changes in the operational environment.
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: The ability to analyze developing situations, quickly diagnose the root cause of a problem, and implement a logical and effective solution under pressure.
Clear Communication: The capacity to convey technical information, safety alerts, and shift-change updates clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
Adaptability & Resilience: The mental fortitude to work effectively in a loud, fast-paced, and physically demanding environment, adapting to changing production priorities and unexpected challenges.
Teamwork & Collaboration: A collaborative attitude and the ability to work constructively with operators, maintenance crews, and supervisors to achieve common operational goals.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Post-secondary diploma or certificate from a vocational or technical college.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Process Technology
Industrial Mechanics or Maintenance
Power Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5 years of hands-on experience in an industrial, manufacturing, recycling, or heavy-processing environment.

Preferred: Prior experience as a Control Room Operator, Lead Operator, or similar role in a related industry (e.g., waste management, power generation, chemical processing, aggregates). Experience working in a 24/7 continuous operation is highly valued.